So the leap required to try to get time-off as the result of a ban is not a big one. Embarrassing, irresponsible, selfish; yes, but shocking? No.

Some of the Premier League’s most arrogant and wealthy players have no shame at all. The worst examples of their behaviour on and off the pitch is evidence of that.

Trying to dishonestly engineer situations which would give them more free time just shows they can be lazy too. But lazy players are nothing new. What is novel is that a referee has become the subject of a Sunday tabloid newspaper sting.

Maybe the paper was hoping for more damaging revelations, but the end result will leave officials feeling they are significant enough to be targeted and pumping their sense of self-worth doesn’t do anybody any favours.